As Russia continues to bombard its smaller neighbor, the United States approved a $105 million sale to Ukraine on Tuesday to maintain and enhance Patriot missile defenses.
Ukraine uses the Patriots to fire down incoming missiles, and the State Department claimed it told Congress about the agreement for components, training, and services.
Upgrading from M901 to M903 launchers, which can fire more missiles simultaneously, is part of the deal.
“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s ability to meet current and future threats,” according to a statement from the State Department.
Ukraine will pay for the Patriot upgrades. President Donald Trump has been critical of US military assistance to Ukraine, which has totaled some $67 billion since Russia invaded in February 2022.
Russia has rejected proposals for a long-term truce and continued its airstrikes on Ukraine in spite of Trump’s calls for an end to the conflict.
Zelensky is visiting Turkey on Wednesday in an attempt to rekindle US diplomatic efforts.
Zelensky stated last month that in order to repel growing Russian threats, Ukraine required an additional 25 Patriot systems.
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